How to Stop Itching All Over the Body

Itching can attack certain parts of the body or the whole body. Itching on the body can be caused by many things, ranging from allergies, insect bites, to certain diseases, such as diabetes. The itchiness that appears can last for a while and can subside by itself. However, complaints of itching can sometimes last longer and feel quite heavy so that it can interfere with comfort. The appearance of itching can sometimes also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as bumps, skin rashes, dry, scaly and cracked skin. Then, how to stop itching all over the body? To treat itching, you can use itching medicines all over the body. However, the use of these medicines must be adjusted to the cause of the itching

Causes of Itching All Over the Body

To be able to treat itching, the first thing that needs to be done is to know what causes it. There are various conditions that can cause itching, including:

• Allergic reactions occur, such as dust allergies, certain food allergies, insect bite allergies, and allergies due to exposure to chemicals such as the use of detergents or cosmetics.
• Skin disorders, such as eczema, dry skin, hives, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and prickly heat.
• An infection occurs, such as a fungal or lice infection (scabies).
• Nervous system disorders, such as shingles, multiple sclerosis, and pinched nerves.
• Certain diseases, such as liver disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, and cancer.
• There are psychological problems, such as depression and severe stress.
• Pregnancy.

How to Stop Itching All Over the Body

The most important thing in treating itching all over the body or in several parts of the body is to know and avoid triggers. If the itching is caused by certain diseases, such as diabetes, then the treatment for the itching needs to be done by controlling blood sugar levels.

In addition, several types of itching medications for the whole body can also be used to relieve itching. There are itching medicines that can be bought freely at pharmacies there are also medicines that must be purchased according to a doctor's prescription.

There are several types of whole body itch medicines that are often used to treat itching including the following:

Antihistamine

Antihistamines can inhibit the production of histamine in the skin which triggers itching. Histamine is a substance released by the body when an allergic reaction occurs.

Some types of antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, can cause drowsiness. So, it is better to consume it at night. However, there are also antihistamines that have a lower risk of drowsiness, for example cetirizine or loratadine. To determine the right type of antihistamine for you to use, you should first consult with your doctor.

Non-steroidal topical medication

Non-steroidal topical medications are available in the form of lotions, creams, gels and powders which can be obtained freely at pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. Examples of non-steroidal topical medications that can be used to treat itching are calamine lotion, creams containing capsaicin and menthol, or pramoxine ointment.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can be used to treat whole body itching caused by inflammation. Corticosteroids are available in the form of oral tablets and topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Usually corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and itching due to allergies, insect bites, eczema, and dermatitis.

Antibiotics

If the itchy part of the body is often scratched causing skin damage, skin festering, or ulcers appearing due to infection, then the use of antibiotics is very necessary to treat this skin infection. However, its use must be in accordance with a prescription from a doctor.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, such as fluoxetine or sertraline, can also be used to reduce various types of itchy skin. These antidepressants are usually used to treat itching due to psychological problems or neurological disorders, as well as itching that cannot subside by undergoing other treatments. Even so, antidepressants for itching all over the body can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription and their use must also be under the supervision of a doctor.

Herbal medicine

To overcome itching can also be by using herbal remedies. For example, by using mint leaf essential oil to overcome itching due to insect bites, kidney disease and diabetes.

In addition, to overcome complaints of itching can also use other essential oils containing extracts of lavender flowers, chamomile, tea tree oil, and aloe vera. Even so, if using herbal medicines does not improve, you should stop and consult a dermatologist to get a more appropriate treatment.

How to Relieve Itching At Home

Apart from using itching medications, itching can also be relieved by doing the following methods at home:

• Don't scratch the itchy area, because it can cause injury, infection, and hinder the healing process of the skin.
• Prevent dry skin by using a skin moisturizer.
• Avoid taking too long showers (no more than 5 minutes) or bathing using warm water.
• Avoid itching triggers if you already know what causes itching, for example soap, detergent, heat, perfume, or stress.
• Apply a cold compress to the itchy area.

Usually mild itching can subside on its own without having to be treated. However, if the itching is very severe, interferes with activities, lasts for more than 2 weeks, and doesn't get better with home treatment, then you should consult a dermatologist to get the right treatment.

Before prescribing medicine, the doctor will first do an examination to find out what causes the itching that you feel. After the cause is known, the new doctor can prescribe the right medicine for itching all over the body. Thus an explanation of how to stop itching all over the body, hopefully this is useful.